On my 36 I have a Tides Track and a Barient 28+ 2 speed electric winch, the sails go up and down without a problem. I have replaced the masthead and foot block at the base as well, but it worked well prior too. While I have raised the sail by myself it is a chore. I suggest you bite the bullet and get a Tides Track, it may save the cost of a larger winch. Good luck.
Steve Currier
N36 #41
Caper
Thames Yacht Club
New London, Ct
A follow-up to my original post:
I replaced all of the sail track slides with cast bronze ones, and also used dyneema webbing to make the attachment. The result was fantastic! I was able to raise the sail 3/4 of the way before I had to use the winch to do the rest. Once I get my WinchRite functioning again (I broke a tooth on one of the gears) then it will make the job pretty easy.
I learned a lot at the Toronto Rendezvous from seeing all the boats there. Many people praised the Tides Track, and I can see why. It is a great system. But for now, I won’t need to make that investment on Fortunate.
Thanks to everyone who offered me their track slides - those things are extremely rare. I even contacted the foundry Mike Quill recommended but they weren’t available there either.
Happy Sailing!
Bob Gehrman
NS36 #52 “Fortunate”
Greenwich Bay, Rhode Island
Bob,a
How did you make loops with the dyneema webbing? Did you just sew the ends together or did you use snaps or something else?
Thanks,
Mike
Mariposa
NS30U / Hull#272
Dutch Harbor, RI
Bob -
You’ve got what I had !! Bronze slides with the original track. Twice per summer season, I sprayed each slide with McLube. Yes, it’s not cheap but it’s clean and works well. My sail dropped like a rock.
Ernie A. in Toronto
